How much sunscreen do I need?
An adult needs about 35 mL, or 7 teaspoons, to cover their whole body once. Most people use far less, and on a beach day you should reapply every two hours. Tell us who’s going, how long you’ll be there and what you’ll be wearing, and we’ll estimate how much sunscreen to pack.
Last reviewed 29 October 2026.
Sunscreen Hub / How much sunscreen do I need?
Accord Australasia is the peak industry body for the companies that make and supply sunscreen in Australia. We unite the industry, build consensus and give it a strong voice with regulators, government and the community. In sunscreen, that means advocating for testing, labelling and regulation that is robust, workable and backed by science, and supporting policies that encourage innovation, safety and consumer confidence. We equip our members with the knowledge and connections to meet Australia’s high standards, and we help Australians get accurate information about one of the most important health products they use.
Accord is the business owner of, and may trade under, other business names, including: Australian Sunscreen Council and Australian Sunscreen Association. We are aware of another organisation claiming to be the Australian Sunscreen Council and Accord has no affiliation with them.
Important information
The information on these pages is general in nature and isn’t medical advice. For advice about your own skin, sun exposure or a reaction to a product, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and always read and follow the directions on your sunscreen’s label. As an industry body, we don’t recommend or endorse any particular brand or product.
We review this content regularly, and each page shows when it was last reviewed. Regulations and scientific evidence can change, so check the date before relying on the information. Links to external websites are provided for convenience, and we aren’t responsible for their content.